Illinois State Board of Education raises testing standards

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education has made it tougher for students to be considered proficient on state tests.

The board voted Thursday to raise the cut-off score for the Illinois Standards Achievement Test in English language arts and math. The change affects elementary and middle school students.

State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch says it's "a significant step in changing how we measure a student's progress."

Koch says the new, higher expectations will provide more accurate information about how students are doing. He says educators will be better able to identify students who need more help and ensure young people are on track to enter college or career-training programs.